Urinary catheters – Complications, maintenance, and costs

A urinary catheter is a type of a flexible tube that helps emptying the bladder into a drainage bag when the patient is having trouble while urinating. Prostate enlargement, chemotherapy for bladder cancer, nerve damage, surgery, and urinary incontinence are some reasons which may necessitate the use of urinary catheters. It is inserted through the urethra or a tiny hole created in the lower abdomen by the doctor.

There are three main types of catheters, i.e., external (catheters for men), indwelling, and intermittent. The type of catheter the doctor chooses depends on the patient’s condition. For instance, if a person is going to take weeks or months to recover and is unable to move, then an indwelling catheter will be used. However, if the individual is treated on an outpatient basis, an intermittent catheter will be beneficial as it can be removed and attached as required. Continue reading to know more about urinary catheters, its complications, maintenance, and cost.

What complications can catheters cause?
Some types of catheters, such as indwelling catheters, pose a risk of causing urinary tract infections. Therefore, it is critical for catheters to be cleaned regularly. Some symptoms of urinary tract infection are as follows:

• Fever and chills
• Cloudy urine
• Burning sensation in the urethra or genital area
• Blood in the urine
• Pungent urine smell
• Headaches
• Pain in the lower back

If any of these symptoms arise, one should immediately seek medical attention.

Apart from urinary tract infections, other complications that can arise due to catheters include the following:

• Bladder stones
• Blood in the urine
• Allergic reaction to the material
• Injury to the urethra
• Damage to the kidneys
• Septicemia due to the infection of the urinary tract, kidneys, and blood

How to take care of a urinary catheter?
If bladder catheters are used at home, then they have to be thoroughly cleaned by the patient using them or the caregiver. It should be wiped clean from where the catheter starts towards the drainage bag. This will prevent any germs from moving towards the end of the catheter that is attached to the body. Likewise, the patient or the caregiver has to ensure that the genitals are cleaned before putting on the catheter to inhibit the possibility of any infections.

Moreover, the drainage bag has to be emptied in every 8 hours or whenever it is full. For sanitizing the drainage bag, a mixture of water and bleach or water and vinegar can be utilized. Patients should also drink plenty of water to keep urinary tract infections at bay.

If urinary catheters are just prescribed for a brief period, then one-time catheters are available in the market. These come in sterile packaging; therefore, the patient just needs to ensure that their body is clean before attaching the urinary catheter.

Are there any lifestyle changes to be made while wearing a catheter?
If one is wearing a urinary catheter, it is imperative to follow a clean diet that promotes proper elimination of urine and stools. Getting constipated while using a catheter can increase pressure on the bladder causing urine leakage or obstruction. Having whole grains, fresh fruits, and vegetables can help prevent episodes of constipation. Likewise, it is necessary to have at least 2 liters of water every day to expel any bacteria from the bladder.

Does insurance cover urinary catheters?
Health insurance programs, such as Medicare, may cover urinary catheters if they are medically essential to the patient’s treatment. If one is using a catheter on an inpatient basis, then Medicare Part A will cover its expenses. Likewise, if the patient is receiving treatment on an outpatient basis, then Medicare Part B will take care of the catheter costs. Medicare will also pay the costs for cases requiring long-term or permanent urinary incontinence or retention care. For claiming the catheter expenses, one will require a written prescription from the doctor.

For individuals enrolled in a private health plan, it is advised that they check with their provider to gain clarity on the how they cover such medical expenses, such as co-payments.

Tags – urinary catheter, bladder catheter, catheters for men